Community Service

Food Pantry/Grocery Delivery

Each month the Deacons organize delivery of more than 60 bags of groceries to the homes of families who need them. Food and other items are donated by members of the congregation and local businesses. Help is always needed to stack the shelves and deliver the groceries. Contact Dawn Stanage.

Backpacks and school supplies

Deacons buy and stock backpacks stuffed with various school supplies and distributed to local elementary and middle schools. They are then disseminated to those youth who otherwise would not be able to provide their own school supplies

Hat and mitten tree

Every Christmas a tree in the parlor is decorated with paper mittens. Congregants can take paper mitten and replace it on the tree with either a pair of gloves or mittens, or a winter hat. These are donated to the Berrien County Juvenile Center.

Snack Packs

Snack packs consisting of popcorn, granola bars, candy, fruit, and a drink are sent to the Berrien County Juvenile Center. Our youth help decorate the bags.

Thanksgiving baskets

From food and monetary donations from our congregation, the Deacons put together Thanksgiving food baskets for families who otherwise would not have a special Thanksgiving dinner. Turkeys are donated by local businesses.

Christmas presents

The congregation fulfills Christmas wishes for a set of families, most of whom have children with special needs. Clothes, winter coats, and toys have brought joy to many children.

Military goodie packages

From donations from the congregation, goodie boxes consisting of non-perishable snacks and personal items are mailed to military personnel serving overseas. Other packages are assembled for local Veterans in Niles.

New mother gifts

Personal items and small gifts are donated and given to local hospitals for new mothers who need a little extra assistance.

Blood drive

Each year, the Deacons organize and host a Red Cross Blood Drive. The blood collected serves local hospitals and clinics.

Life Lines

The Deacons provide Lifeline medical alert subscriptions to disabled people who need a way to make emergency contacts.

Congregational Service

Coffe Service and Receptions

The Deacons provide coffee, juice, and light refreshments and cookies after the Family Worship Service. The Deacons also help with many of the receptions for funerals and special events.

Visitation/Bereavement

This ministry extends sympathy to families of church members when a death occurs, by sending sympathy cards, paying calls, visiting funeral homes and attending funeral services. Easter and Christmas flowers are delivered to families who have lost a loved one during the year.

Welcome new baby

Welcome and congratulations are extended to new born babies, their parents and their families. In addition to a card, parents are presented with a Christian parenting book upon baptism.

Communion Ministry

This ministry is responsible for the preparation for Holy Communion at the Family Worship Service, including preparing the bread, juice, cups, and preparing the communion table.

Flower Ministry

Easter lilies and Christmas Poinsettias are ordered and arranged around the sanctuary. Immediately following worship, the flowers are delivered to shut-ins, members in nursing homes, and to families who have lost a loved one during the year. In addition the flower ministry team purchase, deliver and take care of weekly flower arrangements. These are also delivered each week to shut-ins.

New member committee

This committee takes pictures of new members and posts them on the bulletin boards. The committee also keeps the register and photos of current Deacons, Elders and Staff updated. The committee also keeps supplies of coffee, cookies, and paper items stocked for receptions after worship services. 

Publications

This ministry keeps the congregation updated on Deacon activities. Publications such as The Upper Room and Care Notes are ordered, updated, and kept stocked in the Fifth Street Information Center.  This group also schedules radio operators and video camera operators.

Transportation

Anyone who needs a ride to church can contact the Deacons, and transportation will be arranged.

Fund Raising

The Deacons sponsor a series of fund-raising events to support their community work. These include:

• Chili Dinner (early Spring)
• Pies Not Ties (Father's Day)
• Spaghetti Dinner (Fall)
• Christmas Cookie Walk (Early December)
• Mystery Dinner Theatre (time varies)

All profits are used strictly for the Deacon's activities. Monetary donations are always welcome. Contact Deb Sutherland (269-684-8571).